Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Who Earns More?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians out-earn Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians by $3K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians land at $82,890 and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians at $79,870. The education gap is real: aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician programs typically require bachelor's degree, while aircraft mechanics and service technician programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is Washington ($125,160); for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians it's New Jersey ($105,370).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn more nationally. The median is $82,890 for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians versus $79,870 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, a difference of $3K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians has the better 10-year outlook at 8.1% projected growth, compared to 4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians typically requires bachelor's degree. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians at $125,160/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn $125,160 vs. $98,980 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.